News

The LGA has published a new councillor’s guide highlighting best practice and the latest approaches to highways maintenance.

“This long-term strategy will provide much needed certainty for local government, industry and businesses to plan ahead on vital infrastructure over the next decade.

“Bus services provide an essential mode of public transport in local communities, relied upon by millions of people, and councils take their commitment to provide bus services seriously."

“Councils take their responsibilities to maintain and upkeep roads seriously. As changing weather patterns impact roads, local government seeks to innovate and find new ways to respond to the issue." 

Cllr Tom Hunt, Chair of the LGA’s Inclusive Growth Committee, said: “These new powers – something the LGA has long called for – will help councils keep pavements clear. 

"Only longer-term funding certainty will help councils more effectively plan for future maintenance schemes, focusing more on preventative measures and able to invest in innovation."

“Councils take their responsibilities to maintain and upkeep roads seriously, but the truth is that ever-increasing pressure on budgets has impacted their ability to do so as much as they’d like."

“Transport infrastructure is absolutely vital for unlocking growth, and strong, well-planned networks are the backbone of inclusive, sustainable, and thriving local economies... [these] announcements are therefore very positive for local authorities in the North."

An LGA Spokesperson said: “Councils recognise the importance of integrated and better connected transport services for residents and to support local economies.   “They are already working hard to achieve this, working with their combined authorities where they exist and with private operators, as well as with new technology to bring about further connectivity benefits.    “It is helpful that the much anticipated refreshed Local Transport Plan Guidance has now been published and we hope that it will help more areas to achieve their vision for improved and better local transport provision.   “Suff